BEST NEW VALUE FOLDER 2016: Meet the Contenders

The KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Awards recognize extraordinary achievement in the production knife world. KnifeNews turned to knife dealers to determine the winners. With hundreds of new production knives passing through their hands and many hours spent interacting with end-users, dealers have the most comprehensive and informed perspective. 21 of North America’s top dealers cast their votes in 10 different categories to choose the best of the best in 2016.

Best New Value Folder 2016
A great value-priced knife brings good designs to the widest audience possible. Even collectors want some budget-friendly knives on hand. These are the knives that can be used without fear of ruining a sizable investment. The value folder was a crowded category in 2016, and it took a lot to stand out.

In alphabetical order, here are the four new value folders (each with an MSRP under $100) that garnered the most votes. Visit KnifeNews.com tomorrow to find out which one is taking home the KnifeNews Dealers’ Choice Award for Best New Value Folder 2016.

Cold Steel Pro-Lite
The Pro-Lite brings the Tri-Ad Lock’s extreme strength to the everyman. Whether you choose the tanto or the clip point, this blade is an ideal workhorse. Knife designer Andrew Demko says that the handle design on the Pro-Lite is one of his favorites ever.

CRKT Jettison
Robert Carter’s Jettison is a highly stylized, full-size flipper knife. The modified wharncliffe blade with a dramatic harpoon swedge is an eye-catcher, and the flipping action is glass smooth. Handsome stonewashed steel scales and a deep carry clip seal the deal on this one.

KA-BAR Jarosz Folder
Jesse Jarosz is a rising star in the knife world, and he did not disappoint with his first production folder. This knife translates Jarosz’s inimitable design style into a hard-use knife, with super thick blade stock and a beefy liner lock that can soak up abuse.

Kizer Vanguard Dukes
Matt Cucchiara’s Dukes really stole the show among Kizer’s Vanguard series models. Smooth and responsive flipping action, a classic 3” drop point blade, and utilitarian VG-10 make the Dukes a package that is easy to love.

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